In the society of the Philippines, where politics is often likened to a stage, some names automatically carry weight and history. One such name is Mikey Arroyo, the eldest son of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the grandson of former President Diosdado Macapagal. From his origins in an influential clan to his entry into the world of showbiz and politics, Mikey’s life has always been at the center of public attention. However, behind the positions and controversies, there is a personal battle Mikey has been fighting, which has now been revealed—his struggle with a serious illness that prompted him to step away from the political limelight.

The Origins and Entry into Showbiz

Mikey Arroyo was born on April 26, 1969, in Makati. He grew up in a political environment, which prepared him for the weight of being a president’s son and the constant scrutiny of the public eye. Before he fully entered politics, Mikey tried his hand at acting. He starred in several films, including “Anak, Pagsubok Lamang ng Diyos” (Son, Merely a Test from God) (1996), “Hawak sa Buhay Mo” (Holding Onto Your Life) (1997), “Boyfriend Kong Pari” (My Boyfriend is a Priest) (1999), and “Sablay Ka Na, Pasaway Ka Pa” (You Failed, and You’re Still a Nuisance) (2005). In these films, he took on various roles, from drama and action to comedy and romance. Although he did not become a top mainstream actor, he gained sufficient visibility due to his name and projects. This served as part of his preparation for politics, giving him public exposure and helping him build a network.

The Political Career: From Vice Governor to Congressman

Mikey’s first major office in politics was as the Vice Governor of Pampanga, a position he held from June 30, 2001, to June 30, 2004. As vice governor, he focused on local projects, including the release of 700 million pesos for various infrastructure projects in the province. This included cleaning and improving the Guagua-Pasig River to prevent flooding, supporting hospitals, drainage systems, and farm-to-market roads. He had a program called “Mikey Against Poverty” or MAP, and his advocacies also included the expansion of Clark International Airport.

On June 30, 2004, Mikey Arroyo was elected as the representative of Pampanga’s Second District, serving his first term until 2010. He also ran under the party-list “Ang Galing Pinoy” (AGP) from 2010 to 2013. As a representative, he played a significant role in several congressional committees. He was the chair of the House Committee on Energy, where he championed bills and laws related to renewable energy, clean energy sources, and regulations in the energy industry to lower electricity prices and improve supply.

Controversies and the Weight of a Name

Like many politicians in the Philippines, Mikey Arroyo did not escape issues and controversies. In August 2009, Vera Files reported that he failed to declare a beachfront property in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, worth approximately 63.7 million pesos, in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). The property was purchased and transferred to his wife’s name in 2006. In response, he stated that the money came from wedding cash gifts and campaign contributions.

There were also charges for failing to file income tax returns for the years 2008 and 2009. However, in 2018, the Court of Tax Appeals decided to dismiss the case against him and his wife. Due to his status as the president’s son, his films and showbiz projects were often scrutinized for political influence in selections. There were also discussions about how much of his life was showbiz-oriented and how he balanced it with being a politician. Furthermore, his membership in a political dynasty was always a center of criticism.

The Secret Health Battle

Behind the public duties and controversies, Mikey Arroyo was quietly grappling with health problems. Although these issues were sometimes private, his status as the son of a former president always made them a matter of public knowledge.

In February 2023, he underwent an angioplasty to fix a coronary artery. After the operation, he was observed for 24 hours as part of the recovery protocol. But his most severe test came in March 2025, when Mikey underwent surgery for thyroid removal due to a diagnosis of Stage 1 Cancer of the thyroid gland. The operation was successful, and he shared a photo from the recovery room, requesting that he not be expected to do favors or physically demanding tasks until he had fully recovered.

In addition to his own ailments, there were other health concerns in the family, including his father, Jose Miguel Arroyo, who had a problem with a dissecting aortic aneurysm that was operated on in 2007 but worsened over time.

The Current Situation and the Reason for Leaving Politics

In 2025, many aspects of Mikey Arroyo’s life are in a stage of recovery, facing new challenges, and restoring his status. Physically, after the thyroid cancer operation in March, his days have revolved around healing and regaining his strength. He has reminded the public and those close to him not to burden him with favors while he is in his recovery period.

Mikey Arroyo’s life is full of contradictions—hope, mistakes, and successes. It is undeniable that his name carries weight due to his lineage, so many have high expectations of him. But because of that privilege, there is also stronger scrutinization, not just from the public but also from the media and political critics.

Currently, he does not hold a position in Congress, but his influence, name, and network remain strong. His next steps—whether he will return to politics, start a new project, or focus on private life—will show what his final image will truly be: a politician, an artist, a leader’s son, or just a person with weaknesses and dreams like many others.

His departure from politics, although tinged with controversies over his SALN and political dynasty, is largely related to his personal health battle. In the end, Mikey Arroyo’s story is a reminder that behind public images, there are people wrestling with personal trials, and health is the most important wealth to be cherished.